Malibu Moon's Rodman dominates in Irish Tower stakes

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Rodman left no doubt as to who was the best in the Apr. 14 Irish Tower S. at Aqueduct; the 6-year-old horse won by an easier-than-it-looked 3 1/2-lengths after leading from the opening bell in the one mile race on the main track. [WATCH RACE]

Rodman becomes the fourth stakes winner, eighth stakes horse of 2011 for Malibu Moon. And the Irish Tower was the second stakes win in Rodman's career, following the Grade 3 Queens County H., also at Aqueduct, in Dec. 2009.

The veteran chestnut laid down a solid half-mile in :47.39, then spurted away from the field midway around the turn. He opened up about a half-dozen lengths in the stretch, then was geared down late by Ramon Dominguez to wrap the mile up in 1:34.71 and earn a 98 Beyer Speed Figure.

Rodman now sports a lifetime mark of 6-3-0 in 14 starts, earning $246,152. He has been trained throughout his career by Michael Hushion for Barry K. Schwartz, who bought Rodman as a yearling for $150,000 Keeneland September sale.

After finishing 2010 as the nation's third-leading sire by earnings, Malibu Moon is once again ranked in the top 10 in 2011 in the same category, and also in the top 3 by winners, with 46 to date. Malibu Moon has sired stakes winners coast to coast this year, including Hot Summer, winner of the Grade 3 Comely S. on April 9.